Maui Ocean Center

 

Located on the south side of Maui is Ma’alaea Bay, home to the Maui Ocean Center. The Maui Ocean Center is the largest tropical aquarium in not only the state of Hawaii but in the United States altogether. If visiting the island of Maui, this spectator spot should not be missed. The ocean centre has a huge aquarium that has water filtered into it from the Bay. This aquarium is as real as it gets. This tank has a tunnel that you can actually walk through. This makes for great pictures. You can get a picture of yourself standing face to face with a sand shark. While walking through the tunnel, you will see sharks and rays, and tons of different types of fish.

Maui Ocean Center coral collection

The best thing about the tunnel is that you can see the underside of the creatures as they swim above you. The tanks also boast a coral and tropical fish display that will amaze anyone. The coral itself is breathtaking. In fact, this coral collection is the largest of any aquarium in the world.

Maui Ocean Center jellyfish column

Another amazing display inside the aquarium is the giant cylinder columns of jellyfish. They are several feet wide, and you can watch the jellyfish float above you. The sight of these creatures is both terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. Website

Maui Ocean Center turtles bank

Next, you move along through the aquarium to the sea turtles tanks. These sea turtles have been injured at some point in their lives and their stay at the aquarium is only a temporary one. They will be reintroduced back into their natural habitat once they have recovered. This is my favourite exhibit in the aquarium. If you happen to visit during feeding time you can actually feed the turtles. It’s great to watch these huge docile creatures chomping happily on their lunch.

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Maui Ocean Center interactive display on whales

The Maui Ocean Center also has an interactive display on whales, where visitors can learn about these giant mammals. Whale watching is a big hobby in Hawaii. There are several whale watching tours available. Turtle Bay resort located on the north shore of Oahu boasts that during the winter you can actually see whales from your balcony.

Maui Ocean Center sea stars and urchins

The Maui Ocean Center is a perfect place for families to visit. They offer a wide variety of exhibits for children that are both informative and exciting. There is also a touch pond, where children can pick up some of the creatures and actually handle them. They can see sea stars and sea urchins, as well as skates and rays. Be careful when stroking rays, however, you should always stroke them from head to tail in order to avoid being stung by there tails.

Maui Ocean Center café

No kid friendly aquarium would be complete without food. The Maui Ocean Center offers a café where you can grab lunch. They have light fare such as salads and sandwiches, and of course, ice cream. Also, don’t miss the great picture taking opportunities that the centre has to offer. Along the back side of the aquarium, there are some spectacular views of Ma’alaea Bay, and there is a dolphin statue located in the very front of the centre that also makes for a great souvenir photo.

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